How to Disable Windows 11 Location Tracking Completely or Per App

Users who do not rely on location-based software or Microsoft's Find My Devices service can disable Windows 11 location tracking completely through the system settings. According to TechViral, popular programs such as Google Maps, weather apps, and shopping apps depend on location access to deliver accurate and relevant results, while Microsoft also tracks location data to power services like Find My Devices.

For those who do not use these features, Windows 11 offers built-in controls to turn off location access system-wide, restrict it for specific apps, and delete previously stored location data.

Users who want to stop all location access across Windows 11 can turn off the main system switch in Settings.

1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Click the Privacy & Security tab.
3. Scroll down to the App permissions section and click the Location option.
4. Turn off the toggle switch for Location Services.

Instead of shutting off location tracking completely, Windows 11 users can manage location services for individual applications.

1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Click the Privacy & Security tab.
3. Scroll down and click the Location option under App permissions.
4. Turn on the toggle switch for Location Services on the Location page.
5. Turn on the toggle for Let apps access your location.
6. Turn on or turn off the switches next to individual apps in the list of programs that rely on location information.

Turning off location tracking through the first two methods stops new tracking, but TechViral notes that Microsoft can still use existing location data to display relevant information until the location history is cleared.

1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and select Settings.
2. Click the Privacy & Security tab.
3. Scroll down and click the Location option under App permissions.
4. Scroll down and click the Clear button next to Location history.

This article was written by AI from reporting by techviral.net.